WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – After a six-day break since its last match, a 1-1 double overtime tie with Ferrum, the Salem soccer team returns to Varsity Field on Saturday, Sept. 28 to host USA South rival Greensboro at 2 p.m.

The Spirits, who are 2-0-1 in their last three outings, look to open USA South Conference action with a win as they did in 2018, following a 4-0 victory over Meredith on Sept. 30. Salem has outscored its opponents 4-1 in the last three matches, posting shutout wins against Brevard (Sept. 17) and Emory & Henry (Sept. 19) along the way.

Solid defense has been the key for the Spirits, who have limited opponents to 89 shots (54 shots on goal) through the first eight matches of the season. Goalkeeper Hannah Wagner, who has logged 444:57 minutes in net, leads the way for Salem with 25 saves (.806 save percentage), collecting two wins on the season.

Ellie Montes tops individual leaders for the Salem offense, notching 10 points by virtue of four assists and three goals. Montes is one of three Spirits with two goals on the season, along with Amy Bounds, Madison Green and Baylee Greenwood. Salem has converted 13 goals in 2019, taking 118 shots (65 shots on goal) along the way.

Greensboro (6-3) snapped a two-match losing streak with a 1-0 win against Ferrum on Thursday afternoon. The Pride suffered setbacks to Roanoke (Sept. 18) and Eastern Mennonite (Sept. 22) last week.

Greensboro's offense has attempted 122 shots over the course of the season, including 63 shots on goal (.516 SOG percentage). Anna Rae Porcelli leads the way for The Pride with nine points, which came by virtue of four goals and one assist. Both Mercedes Bauza and Haley Russell have scored three goals for Greensboro.

Kelsey Emrich has played all nine games for Greensboro in net, logging 791:09 minutes in the process. She has made 24 saves (.774 save percentage) and is responsible for all six wins for The Pride.

For more information on Salem soccer check out www.salemspirits.com.